In part two of Transformative Leadership with The Power of TED*®, I had the privilege of speaking with Sheri Lawrence, fellow TED*®champion and VP of Learning & Development and Sales at Studio Movie Grill in Dallas. Our discussion centred around a powerful tool—the 5-Step Action Planning Process—which played a pivotal role in transforming their organisational dynamics amidst rapid growth.
The Challenge: Navigating Change Amidst Growth
Studio Movie Grill was experiencing a staggering 30% year-over-year growth, which brought about significant challenges. As new leaders joined the team, communication issues and misunderstandings became prevalent. Sheri shared:
“We were growing so fast that we got behind. We were all running a hundred miles an hour, and didn’t take the time to stop and revisit periodically: where are we, what do we need to do? Communication wasn’t filtering through all the way.”
Recognising the need for a structured approach to addressing these challenges, the leadership team used a simple yet powerful tool from within the 3 Vital Questions® (3VQ®) toolkit. They had been introduced to it in their training in TED*® with David Emerald and Donna Zajonc, co-founders of The Center for The Empowerment Dynamic.
The Power of the 3VQ® 5-Step Action Planning Process
During a dedicated one-day workshop, Sheri’s team engaged with the 5-Step Action Planning Process, a fundamental aspect of the 3VQ® framework. This process proved invaluable in shifting the team’s focus from problems to outcomes, significantly reducing the costs associated with drama and worry.
Sheri emphasised:
“The cost of drama can be significant. When we focus on worries and complaints, we lose sight of what we want to achieve. With TED*®, we learned to align everyone on desired outcomes.”
Instead of getting bogged down by what wasn’t working, the team focused on clearly defined goals. Sheri explained how this shift allowed them to address challenges constructively:
“By aligning on what we wanted to achieve, we were able to have productive discussions about our goals instead of getting stuck on what was going wrong.”
The workshop facilitated a collaborative environment in which leaders mapped out clear action steps, communication methods, and accountability measures—all in a single day.
If you’d like to listen to the episode, it is available via the Coffee and Contemplation with Susan Dunlop podcast link.
The ROI: Transforming Challenges into Solutions
The impact of the 5-Step Action Planning Process was immediate and profound. The leadership team left the workshop equipped with actionable steps and check-in dates, fostering a culture of accountability and collaboration.
“We were able to put a plan together quickly and shift to a positive outcome,” Sheri noted. “TED*® and 3VQ® showed us how focusing on solutions rather than drama can drive real change.”
By prioritising alignment around outcomes, the team enhanced communication, productivity, and cohesion within the organisation.
Versatile Applications of the 5-Step Action Planning Process
While Studio Movie Grill’s experience showcases the effectiveness of the 5-Step Action Planning Process in a corporate setting, its versatility extends to various contexts, including:
- Social Work and Mental Health Professionals: A great tool for professionals to use in their work with clients. Easy to follow and a way to show clients they have the answers within them. It will help them to practice being prepared rather than reactive. Use the 5-Step Action Planning structure to become clear on the outcome, eg., when planning a disclosure or other important conversations, make a conscious shift to what they do want vs. what they don’t want.
- Community Initiatives: Foster collaboration among community leaders to address local issues, ensuring all voices are heard and aligned on common goals.
- Educational Settings: Help educators model a new way of proactive planning with students or to implement curriculum changes by establishing clear objectives and measurable outcomes, enhancing student engagement.
- Healthcare Teams: Equip medical and nursing staff to navigate patient care challenges, facilitating better communication and collaboration among interdisciplinary teams.
- Personal Development: Individuals can use this process for self-reflection and goal-setting, mapping out steps to achieve personal aspirations or tackle life challenges.
How to Get Started with the 5-Step Action Planning Process
- Begin with The Power of TED*®: Start your journey by reading or listening to David Emerald’s foundational work. It’s a concise introduction to the concepts behind the framework. You will find that on Amazon and Audible.
- Engage in the 3 Vital Questions: Applying the Power of TED*® to Work and Life facilitated eCourse: This combination of self-directed course and facilitated discussions is where the real transformation begins, offering a blend of visual, reflective, observation, writing and guided discussions to deepen understanding.
- Contact me to explore tailored programs. Whether you’re looking to align your teams to organisational vision or initiatives or enhance team dynamics, I can design a custom experience that incorporates the 5-Step Action Planning Process. It is just one of the powerful tools, principles, and practices within the work of TED*® and the 3 Vital Questions®.
By consciously practising the 5-Step Action Planning Process, you will shift your focus to outcomes. In turn, that will reduce the costs of drama and drive impactful change within your team, organisation and your people and clients’ lives. Contact us today to discuss how we can implement this powerful tool.
This link will take you to the full Studio Movie Grill Case Study by The Center for The Empowerment Dynamic. It is just one of many incredible stories of organisations that chose to bring TED*® and 3VQ® into their lives and work.